Things to do in Palm Bay

Explore Palm Bay Florida

Palm Bay, Florida is a great destination for anyone looking for an active and exciting vacation. Located on the Space Coast of Florida, Palm Bay offers something for everyone from outdoor activities to cultural attractions. With its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and green spaces, Palm Bay makes the perfect getaway for travelers of all ages.

For those seeking adventure, there’s plenty to do in Palm Bay. From surfing and kayaking to boating and fishing trips – all these activities can be found along the many miles of coastline that make up this beautiful city. You can also explore the lush natural environment by taking a hike or bike ride through Turkey Creek Sanctuary or a nature tour at Ambersands State Park. There are even numerous golf courses in the area if you’d like to hit some balls while you’re here!

Palm Bay lies between Cocoa and Melbourne, and is famous for fishing and surfing, but is of course, also known for its proximity to the nearby Kennedy Space Center.

Beaches: Relaxing by the Water

Beaches are the perfect place to relax, unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature. Palm Bay, Florida is known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and pristine sand. It’s the ideal destination for a weekend getaway or a relaxing day off.

The shoreline of Palm Bay stretches out into the horizon, inviting visitors to come and explore what nature has to offer. Whether it’s swimming in the turquoise ocean or sunbathing on white sand beaches, there’s something for everyone here. You can take a stroll along miles of the sandy beach while admiring breathtaking views or just sit back and enjoy watching dolphins play in the waves as they roll up to shore.

Wildlife Refuges: Explore Nature

Wildlife refuges are an excellent way to explore nature and get in touch with the environment. For those living in or visiting Palm Bay, Florida, there are a variety of wildlife refuges available to discover.

From the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge to Canaveral National Seashore, these parks provide visitors with the opportunity to observe native flora and fauna. At Merritt Island, visitors can take a drive through the refuge and see over 1,000 species of birds along with manatees and dolphins. The refuge also offers kayaking trips for those looking for a more immersive experience.

At Canaveral National Seashore, visitors can explore miles of beaches along 24 miles of undeveloped coastline as well as lush maritime forests inhabited by alligators, bald eagles, sea turtles, and other animals.

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a unique and valuable ecological area located in Palm Bay, Florida. Spanning 140,000 acres of diverse habitats, the refuge is home to a variety of wildlife species and offers visitors recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, bird watching, and hiking. It serves as an important habitat for endangered species such as bald eagles and West Indian manatees.

The refuge was established in 1963 when NASA acquired land for the Kennedy Space Center launch facilities. Today it offers visitors close access to the Indian River Lagoon estuary system, containing more than 4,000 islands that are essential habitats for many animals including shorebirds, wading birds, and migratory songbirds among others. Salt marshes provide food sources for a variety of wildlife while also serving as nurseries for fish populations residing in nearby waters.

Canaveral National Seashore

Canaveral National Seashore is a nature lover’s paradise located in Palm Bay, Florida. This beautiful barrier island boasts miles of pristine white sand beaches and provides an ideal environment for wildlife. Visitors to the national seashore can explore its incredible natural wonders while soaking up some sunshine in one of the most picturesque locations on Florida’s east coast.

CanaveralBeach photo with beach umbrellas.
Canaveral National Seashore’ Florida; image via nps.gov

From sea turtles to shorebirds, visitors will catch glimpses of a variety of wildlife as they explore the Canaveral National Seashore. In addition to birdwatching and beachcombing, visitors can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and fishing in the Atlantic Ocean or nearby Indian River Lagoon. Fishing enthusiasts are sure to have luck catching snook, spotted seatrout, and redfish right off the beach!

Turkey Creek Sanctuary

At the Turkey Creek Sanctuary, surrounded by sand pines, saw palmettos and live oaks emerging from ancient sand dunes created 2,000 years ago, a 4,000-foot boardwalk twists and turns along the murky, black water creek. A major stopover for spring and fall migratory birds, including the pileated woodpecker and rare purple martin.

Turkey Creek Sanctuary
Turkey Creek Sanctuary; image via palmbayflorida.org

Surprisingly, Space Coast accommodations provide priceless beach vacations with great family value. Whether posh or practical, more than 9,500 East Coast rooms are dotted throughout the area from popular hotels and spacious condominiums to beach-side cottages and five-bedroom bungalows.

Parks: Fun for Children

Palm Bay Parks offer a vast array of activities for families and children of all ages. Whether you’re looking to take a leisurely stroll or enjoy a picnic in the park, Palm Bay offers something for everyone. With over 20 parks located throughout the city, it’s easy to find one with fun activities that your family can enjoy. From playgrounds and splash pads to sports fields and recreation centers, Palm Bay Parks have something to keep every kid entertained.

Children can explore nature trails and hike along winding paths, go fishing at one of the city’s stocked lakes, or even ride their bikes on designated trails. There are also pavilions available for group picnics or birthday parties, as well as public pools for swimming lessons or open swim times.

Sebastian Inlet State Recreation Area

The Sebastian Inlet State Recreation Area boasts quite contrasting acclaims – both a top fishing and surfing destination in Florida – the stunning inlet, with a dramatic stone pier, fishing jetties, and crashing waves, also touts the highest attendance of all Florida State Parks.

Shopping and Dining: Find Unique Gifts

Palm Bay is the perfect spot to find unique gifts for your friends and family. Whether you’re looking for something special or just a memento of your trip, there are plenty of options available. From boutique stores selling handmade items to restaurants offering delicious fare, this city is full of surprises!

The Village Market

One popular option among shoppers in Palm Bay is the eclectic selection at The Village Market. This one-of-a-kind store offers everything from vintage jewelry and home decor to antiques and collectibles. It’s also a great place to grab a quick bite, with its deli counter serving up sandwiches, salads, pizza slices, and more.

The Village Market features local farmers and vendors who offer a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as other items like honey, jams and jellies, handmade crafts, jewelry, antiques, clothes, and more. On any given day you can find live music performances or cooking demonstrations happening throughout the market. The atmosphere is inviting and friendly with plenty of seating areas where people can relax while they shop or grab a bite to eat from one of the many food trucks that line up outside. There’s even an indoor section with shops full of unique items not found anywhere else.

Banana Boat Restaurant & Pub

For those seeking a truly unique experience, The Banana Boat Restaurant & Pub is the place to go. This waterfront eatery offers a wide variety of delicious dishes, from traditional American favorites to Caribbean and seafood specialties. With a gorgeous view of the Indian River Lagoon, it’s no wonder Banana Boat Restaurant & Pub has become such a popular spot for visitors and locals alike!

At Banana Boat Restaurant & Pub, guests will enjoy an extensive menu filled with fresh and flavorful options. Favorites include conch fritters, jerk chicken wings, blackened mahi-mahi tacos, and Key lime pie. All dishes are prepared with local ingredients whenever possible, so you can be sure to enjoy the freshest flavors that Palm Bay has to offer! Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner with friends or family, Banana Boat Restaurant & Pub is the perfect place to stop by.

Boating and Fishing: Enjoy the Waterways

Palm Bay offers some of the best boating and fishing experiences in Florida. With a variety of waterways to explore, there is something for everyone who loves the water. From canals and intercoastal waters to wide open bays, Palm Bay provides ample opportunities for hours of fun on the water.

If you love fishing, you’re in luck! Palm Bay has plenty of local hot spots where you can find an abundance of fish species, from redfish and trout to snook and tarpon. For those who prefer boating, take a cruise through the picturesque ICW (Intracoastal Waterway), or head out into the bay for some exploration. There are also plenty of marinas in town that offer boat rentals if you don’t have your own vessel.

Golfing: Play a Round

Golfing in Palm Bay is a great way to spend your day outdoors. Take advantage of the beautiful Florida sunshine and enjoy a round of golf at one of the many courses in this area. It’s the perfect course for both experienced and novice golfers alike – you can find something to suit all levels of play.

At any Palm Bay golf course, you’ll be able to experience 18 holes surrounded by lush vegetation and views of the Indian River Lagoon. Courses are equipped with all necessary amenities, such as pro shops, driving ranges, putting greens, and even snack bars for when you need a break from playing. Not only will you get to refine your skills on scenic fairways but also take part in tournaments or private lessons offered at certain locations. There is even mini-golf available if that’s more your style!

The Habitat Golf Course

The Habitat Golf Course in Palm Bay, Florida is a great place for golfers of all skill levels to enjoy. Situated just outside the city limits, this 18-hole course offers a challenging layout and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It provides players with plenty of challenges that will test their skill and accuracy on the fairways and greens.

Palm Gardens Golf Course

Palm Gardens Golf Course is an 18-hole golf course designed to challenge even the most experienced golfer, who can take advantage of the 5 sets of tees at each hole. For those new to the game or looking for a casual round, there are plenty of easy shots available from tee boxes closer to the green. The pro shop features quality golfing apparel and equipment as well as staff who can provide tips on improving your game or offer advice on choosing clubs.

Conclusion: Discover Palm Bay

The town of Palm Bay is located on the east coast of Florida and offers a unique mix of outdoor activities, culture, and attractions. With its miles of coastline along the Indian River Lagoon, it has plenty to offer for visitors and locals alike. From natural parks to historical sites, there’s something in Palm Bay for everyone to enjoy.

Palm Bay offers a wide variety of activities for all ages such as swimming in the river and ocean, fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding, surfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. The area is also home to several cultural attractions such as historic buildings like the Old Brevard County Courthouse or Paradise Pond Nature Preserve which features walking trails with beautiful views.

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